By Alexis Taylor, Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

Published August 13, 2013

(Courtesy Photo)

Six-time Grammy award winner Toni Braxton may not have her trophies, Gucci flatware, or the rights to 27 of her hit-songs—but she still has a lot to smile about.

The Severn, Md. native has finally tied up all the loose ends of her second bankruptcy filing and, if that isn’t enough to lift her spirits, she still has her life. Both her health and her career have been devastated since she was diagnosed with not only the autoimmune disease Lupus, but microvascular angina.

According to TM, which broke the story, Braxton’s settlement included an opportunity for her to buy back her own songs. But she was outbid by Ross M. Klein, who paid more than double the $20,000 the singer had to put toward the material she helped write.

Included in the sweep are hits such as “Always,” “You’re Making Me High,” and “How Many Ways.”

Noticeably missing from the cache of chart-toppers is “Un-break My Heart,” which was written by Dianne Warren, according to TMZ.

The news comes on the heels of her divorce from husband Keri Lewis. The two married in 2001, however, the union couldn’t stay in “Mint Condition,” even after they had two sons, Denim and Diezel.

Braxton’s first public signs of financial trouble began after she unsuccessfully sued her record label and then had to file for bankruptcy in 1998.

After getting back on her feet, putting out more hit songs, and booking and completing some dates on an international tour, misfortune hit the legendary vocalist again.

With her health failing, the star was hospitalized and, as a result, cost promoters and tour sponsors who charged her for the millions in missed revenue and monies already paid to promote and put on the concerts.

Braxton alleged that she was in way over her head when it came to the possible $50 million she owed. The hit forced her to file another bankruptcy in 2010. In July, she was able to settle all her debts by agreeing to pay $150,000 for property and concerts.

She will continue to open her life to viewers with the hit WE TV reality show about the entire Braxton clan of sisters, “Braxton Family Values.” Fans across the nation are excited about her current tour, which will make a stop at Baltimore’s Pier Six Pavilion on Aug. 21.